The Key Differences Between Sony A7R II vs A7 III
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Sony A7 III and the Sony A7R II are the two full-frame mirrorless alpha cameras that were announced respectively in February 2018 and June 2015. Today, I will help you find differences through this article.
The Sony A7R II offers a resolution of 42 megapixels, whereas Sony A7 III offers 24 megapixels. Other differences in the price, ISO, and sensor are also noticeable. That’s why there is a little price gap between them.
Sony Alpha A7R II is the successor of A7 II. The very next camera in the sequel is the Sony A7 III. Now, let’s look at the other differences and give you a decision on which one to buy.
Sony A7R II vs Sony A7 III: Comparison Table
Sony A7R II and Sony A7 III are both good in terms of the uses for your photography career. However, if you are here to buy between these cameras then look at the differences in basic features between these two.
| Features | Sony A7 III | Sony A7R II |
| Announcement Date | 2018-02-27 (Newer) | 2015-06-10 (Older) |
| Sensor | 24MP – Full-frame BSI-CMOS | 42MP – Full-frame BSI-CMOS |
| ISO | 100 – 51200 (expands to 50 – 204800) | ISO 100 – 25600 (expands to 50 – 102400) |
| Mount | Sony E Mount | Sony E Mount |
| Stabilization | Sensor-shift Image stabilization | Sensor-shift Image Stabilization |
| Display | 3.00″ Tilting Screen | 3.00″ Tilting Screen |
| Electronic viewfinder | 2360k dots | 2359k dots |
| Autofocus | Yes, 693 phase-detection points | Yes, 399 phase-detection points |
| Shooting Speed | 10.0fps | 5.0fps |
| Video Resolution | 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 | 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 |
| Weight | 650 grams | 625 grams |
| Dimension | 127 x 96 x 74 mm | 127 x 96 x 60 mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Memory slot | Dual Slots | Single Slot |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Battery | NP-FZ100 | NP-FW50 |
| Price | 2200-2400 USD | 1600-1800 USD |
What Are the Key Differences Between the Sony A7 III And Sony A7R II?
You can buy any camera of your choice. But before buying that I suggest you look at the differences between these cameras. The A7 III and A7R II are pretty similar in some terms but also have a lot of differences. Let’s discuss them in detail below.
Sensor
The A7 III has a 24MP chip. The front-end LSI chip on this camera increases the readout speed. The camera also uses the BIONZ X image processor to process more data faster.
The A7R II has a 42MP chip, nearly double the one that the A7 III has. However, the camera doesn’t do any good compared to A7 III’s image processing.
When an A7 III and an A7R II are put together, a photographer would easily pick the A7 III.
Performance
The Sony A7R II’s overall performance is strong and typically better than its ancestors’ thanks to its faster autofocus, lower shutter lag, and faster burst speed. Though startup time is still very long, and buffer clearance is still a bit tiresome.
On the other hand, the Sony A7 III is a good camera, faster than the A7R II with a much more improved autofocus system and even lower shutter lag. The camera’s shooting speed is 10 frames per second which are twice the A7RII.
The faster camera with more abilities will win this competition. As we can see improved features are present in Sony A7 III so, this one should be chosen.
Autofocus System
The A7 III covers 93% of the sensor surface using a total of 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points. Faster autofocus and face detection are also improved in the A7 III.
On the contrary, A7R II has fewer points; 399 phase-detection points and 25 contrast-detection points. And -2EV minimum sensitivity at f/2 in low light performance compared to the A7 III’s -3EV is also a disadvantage.
At this point, you should know that the more points, the better. If you choose A7 III, you are the gainer.
Shooting Speed
The A7R II has a maximum of 5fps with AE/AF tracking. But it doesn’t have any live view on the EVF or LCD screen. If you track recent records of other cameras, you won’t see any improvement in this camera.
On the other hand, the A7 III has a maximum of 10fps with AE/AF tracking. It allows live view with blackouts at up to 8fps.
Other differences in terms of shooting speeds are more likely similar. But the A7 III is the winner here.
Physical Improvements
A7 III has an AF joystick that is present to change the autofocus point on the fly. Two memory card slots, including a UHS-II compliant, are currently supporting the camera with extra storage.
On the other hand, A7R II does not have any AF joystick to change autofocus. Autofocus changing is done manually. It doesn’t have dual memory card slots either.
The joystick facility and dual memory card slot place the A7 III higher than the A7R II.
Weight
Another vital factor between these cameras is their weight. It matters because a camera is what you carry all day on your shoulder. Sony A7R II is 625 grams without body attachments.
On the other hand, Sony A7 III is 650 grams, 25 grams more than the A7R II. As for other body attachments, both cameras have the same extensions with the same weights.
So, if a little bit of extra weight budges you, you should go for the Sony A7R II camera.
Memory slots
The Sony A7III is equipped with dual memory card slots and they are labeled as slot 1 and slot 2. Slot 1 is comparatively fast and supports UHS-II cards. Slot 2 supports UHS-I cards and is slower than slot 1.
On the other hand, the A7R II is equipped with a single memory card. This camera supports UHS-I cards and it also accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.
An extra slot will give you security along with more space to store your photos. So, the Sony A7III is the winner.
Battery
The Sony A7 III uses the NP-FZ100 powerful battery. This battery is specialized for the long-life experience in the third-generation full-frame Alpha cameras. It helps shoot at least 610 photos in one charge and record up to 115 minutes with the EVF.
On the other hand, the Sony A7R II uses the NP-FW50 battery. The battery is one of the worst because of its poor lifespan. You can shoot only 290 shots and record a maximum of 50 minutes of videos using this camera.
The Sony A7R II doesn’t stand a chance near the A7 III. You can see the difference in terms of shots and the total time of the recorded video in a single charge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Sony A7III better than the A7Rii?
Yes, by shooting speed, battery quality, and physical condition the Sony A7III is better than the Sony A7RII.
Is Sony A7III worth it over the a7ii?
Compared to the A7RII, the A7III has topped in every position except the resolution. Though the resolution part doesn’t do any better. The price tag on A7III is higher but it deserves this much.
Does Sony A7RII have Bluetooth?
No, this device doesn’t have Bluetooth.
Which camera is heavy between a7III and A7RII?
The A7III is 25 grams heavier than the A7RII.
Should you buy the Sony A7RII or A7III?
As you know the A7RII came three years before the A7III. So, you clearly can say the A7III is equipped with more advanced technologies. So, you should go with the A7III.
Which one is bigger the Sony A7RII or the A7III?
By height and length both are the same sized but by the width the A7III has a 14mm wider body.
Does any of the cameras have the touchscreen feature?
Yes, the A7III has a touchscreen display. But it is somewhat limited.
Verdict
The significant difference between the A7 III and the A7r II is their sensors and auto-focus system. The A7R II is cheap despite having a well-balanced package, whereas the A7 III costs a bit much because of its high-resolution sensor.
Additionally, Sony upgraded A7 III with a better battery, sensor, auto-focus, and overall performance.
This is the reason why photographers choose the A7 III over A7R II. Moreover, the A7 III is a well-rounded package. This camera’s prominent dealers are professional photographers who deal with the big screens. A7R II could do a little better, but the product is already there.
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